Senior media and public relations officer jobs

Job Title: Head of Communication and External Affairs

Reporting To: Director of Marketing and Communications

Salary Range: £55,000 to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

Hours/Days per week: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Requirements: Felix can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK. As part of our safer recruitment policy, we do ask questions regarding unspent criminal records.

We are Felix

We bring people together to rescue, repurpose, and share surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, turning an environmental problem into a social opportunity.

Together with 16 other independent charities, 18,000 volunteers, and thousands of partners, we are the UK’s food rescue network, supporting 1.5 million people across the country.

We‘re about fuller plates, fuller communities, and fuller lives.

Purpose of the Job 

The Head of Comms and External Affairs will lead our narrative and steward our reputation at critical moment, following the merger of FareShare and The Felix Project to form the new Felix brand. The role will set the strategy and operating rhythm for a team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, ensuring Felix speaks with one clear, trusted and influential voice.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working alongside the Head of Brand Marketing who leads brand marketing and digital communication, the postholder will protect and build Felix's reputation, shape national and sector conversations on food redistribution, food waste and food insecurity, and help position Felix as a leading partner in the national endeavour to triple food redistribution in the UK.

The role will provide senior counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders; lead high-quality media, stakeholder and parliamentary engagement; and ensure internal communications support colleagues, volunteers and partners through integration, change and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set and lead an integrated external affairs strategy for Felix, aligned to organisational strategy, the post-merger integration plan, the refreshed brand and the national programme to expand food redistribution.
• Lead, develop and empower a multidisciplinary team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, directly managing three discipline leads and building clear priorities, standards and ways of working.
• Lead Felix's media relations and reputation management, securing proactive national, regional and sector coverage, overseeing reactive press office activity, preparing spokespeople, managing issues and crisis communications and working closely with the digital marketing team.
• Working closely with the CEO and policy colleagues, leading public affairs and influencing activity, building trusted relationships with government, parliament, food industry partners, redistribution networks, funders and sector coalitions to advance Felix's mission and policy objectives.
• Set the strategic direction for internal communications, ensuring staff, volunteers, network partners and other internal audiences understand the charity's vision, values, priorities and change journey.
• Develop clear narratives, messages, evidence and thought leadership that explain Felix's mission, impact and role in creating a fairer and more sustainable food system.
• Provide expert advice to the Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder positioning, media risk, political context and communications opportunities.
• Work closely with the Head of Brand Marketing to ensure external affairs, brand marketing, fundraising, digital communication and operational communications are integrated, consistent and mutually reinforcing.
• Embed professional standards, risk management, evaluation and compliance across the function, including political impartiality, charity law, safeguarding, data protection, media protocols and inclusive communications.
• Bring innovation and experimentation to the development of content and wider communications offer.
• Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time. 

Recruitment timeline 

We reserve the right to close advertisements early and we might assess candidates and arranging interview as applications come in, so please apply as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this opportunity.  

Due to the anticipated large number of applicants, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of your application, we regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. Consequently, will not be able to provide feedback.

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Hours per week: 35 hours

Annual Leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays

Role Description

The COO is the Cathedral’s principal member of staff and has responsibility for the overall operational performance and administration of the organisation, its assets and its people. Appointed by the Chapter and accountable to them through the Dean, the COO works with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to develop and implement strategy and policy, ensure effective governance and compliance, manage the business functions of the Cathedral and monitor its overall progress and development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development of the Cathedral’s overall strategy to reflect the Cathedral’s Vision and Values.
• Ensure the effective implementation of the Cathedral’s masterplan and successfully deliver outcomes through the effective performance management of goals and objectives.
• Secure financial sustainability, achieve growth and optimise the efficient use of resources through effective short, medium and long term planning.

Safeguarding

• Work closely with the Dean, the Cathedral Safeguarding Committee, Chapter Safeguarding Lead and the Safeguarding Officer to develop and deliver the Cathedral’s safeguarding strategy.
• Act as a role model in upholding safeguarding policies and embedding a healthy safeguarding culture across Cathedral life.
• Negotiate, implement and continually review the Service Level Agreement with the Diocesan Board of Finance and the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
• Ensure compliance with current safeguarding legislation and national guidance, fostering an environment where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Staff and Volunteers

• Ensure recruitment, training and HR management of staff and volunteers adhere to the Safer Recruitment policies of the Church of England and meet the needs of the Cathedral.
• Develop a workplace culture and ethos that reflects the Cathedral’s values and enables and empowers staff and volunteers.
• Act as a role model for effective people management, supporting, developing, and constructively challenging others while encouraging continuous professional development.
• Foster a collegiate, open, and collaborative environment across the Cathedral.
• Champion diversity and inclusivity within the Cathedral community, providing opportunity and support for all.

Cathedral Compliance and Operational Management

• Ensure the effective running and forward planning of Chapter and other governance committees, including compliance with the Constitution and Statutes.
• Ensure trustees and others in governance positions are properly inducted and trained including in safeguarding.
• Ensure that the Cathedral meets all legislative regulations and complies with ecclesiastical and charity laws.
• Be accountable for reporting to the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Work with the Chief Finance Officer to ensure that the strategic plan is supported by a robust, multi-year financial plan aligned with long-term objectives.
• Work with the Visitor Experience Manager to increase income generation, establishing a growth plan with the Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn Project.
• Work with the Architect and Facilities Manager to ensure the Cathedral meets its statutory and legal obligations relating to heritage, ecclesiastical and listed buildings in its care.
• Work with the Facilities Manager to ensure the Cathedral meets its statutory and legal requirements in relation to its properties and responsibilities as a landlord.
• Ensure effective management of Health and Safety across the Cathedral ensuring compliance with statutory legislation and best practice; ensure emergency procedures are up to date.
• Ensure all data is protected and processed in full compliance with GDPR legislation.
• Ensure that the Cathedral is complies with all legal requirements, interpreting and communicating changes in compliance to the Chapter and Cathedral staff.
• Support the Church of England’s Net Zero targets and ensure the Cathedral has a plan for reducing carbon emissions; adhering to statutory requirements relating to Net Zero.
• Ensure suitable IT provision is in place, to support Cathedral operations, is secure and regularly review software and hardware requirements.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to oversee public relations, ensuring appropriate management of reputation, branding, and media activities; act as Cathedral spokesperson as appropriate.
• Review working methods, office accommodation and administration support to ensure arrangements are fit for purpose.
• Promote open and transparent ways of working throughout the administration, with effective communication and engagement at all levels.
• Oversee the effective planning and management of key projects and the implementation of delivery programmes to achieve operational and strategic objectives.
• Support the Dean in managing relationships with the 1327 Club.
• Ensure the effective management, use and future development of all the Cathedral’s assets.
• Be responsible for contingency planning, including the management of insurance, disaster recovery and salvage planning and oversee the Cathedral’s risk register.
• Develop for approval, maintain and regularly review policy and procedure documents of Chapter and ensuring they are embedded across the organisation.
• Chair staff and management meetings.
• Manage the business operations of the Cathedral in accordance with the values, standards and budgets agreed by Chapter.
• Lead, manage, motivate and empower staff and volunteer teams through effective structures, training and professional relationships.

Direct Reports

• Chief Finance Officer
• Cathedral Safeguarding Officer
• Human Resources Officer
• Visitor Experience Manager
• Volunteer Manager
• Marketing and Communications Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Shop Manager
• Pilgrims’ Kitchen Manager

Attendance Required at:

• Chapter Meetings
• Finance Committee
• Nominations Committee
• Risk, Audit and Review Committee
• Safeguarding Committee
• Health and Safety Committee
• Information Protection Group
• The Guild of St Edmund Committee
• Forum
• Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)
• Enterprises Ltd Meetings
• Eco St Eds Committee
• Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn CIO
• Cathedral Administration and Finance
• Association (CAFA)conferences

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

• A proven track record of strategic leadership with successful
• delivery of projects and outcomes within an organisation of a similar size and complexity.
• Experience of working at board level or closely with boards.
• Significant leadership capability, with the ability to influence, inspire, and engage the Cathedral Community and external stakeholders.
• An empowering management style that fosters teamwork, trust and collaboration, with a strong understanding of HR best practice.
• Successful experience of leading significant change and of fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development within a complex organisational environment.
• Proven experience in managing operational performance within tight financial constraints in a complex, multi-faceted environment.
• Effective delivery of financial strategy and budget management, demonstrating strong commercial acumen.
• An understanding of safeguarding and the critical role it plays in protecting all people.

Desirable Qualities

• Previous experience as a COO or at a similar senior leadership level.
• An understanding of the complexities in managing wide-ranging cathedral operations or previous experience within a Church of England setting.
• A good understanding of best practice in charity governance.
• Experience of managing a heritage site.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience in safeguarding best practice.

Knowledge and skills

• Ability to understand complex operational issues and develop creative and innovative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to share information effectively at all levels internally and externally.
• Commitment to working efficiently and effectively, utilising technology and software as appropriate.
• Ability to develop and encourage a strong team ethos among staff and volunteers.
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgment.
• Experience of managing budgets.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage comfortably with all users of the Cathedral.

Other criteria

• Empathy with the beliefs and ethos of the Christian faith.
• Comfortable working within a team of staff and clergy with a range of different skills and gifts, understanding their different roles and working patterns.
• Commitment to the Cathedral’s purpose and vision, and to taking an active role in the Cathedral’s community, mission and outreach.
• A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this post. The appointment is subject to a six-month probation period.

Additional Information

The role requires the post-holder to work occasional weekends, evenings and non-working days, as required for which time off in lieu will be given. The post-holder will undertake such other duties as may reasonably be expected. This document is accurate at time of publication but is subject to regular review and may change in line with the Cathedral’s requirements.

Closing Date: 9.00 am Monday 3 July 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 12 August 2026

In this role, you will play a vital role in enabling the smooth running of the organisation and its programmes through maintaining excellent programme administration, comms, governance, reporting systems and cross organisational project work. 

The role is a key part of the wider Core Team.  

The role is ideally suited to individuals with an interest in the core running of a charitable organisation.   

Good organisational and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to hold a multitude of tasks simultaneously. The role will provide support for the Senior Management Team and wider delivery team. This post offers an excellent opportunity to learn about communications, programme administration, programme set up and data management and reporting within the context of the voluntary sector.  

The role focuses on:

• Communications 
• Data Management and Reporting 
• Programme Administration

Communications 

• Prepare and maintain an annual comms timeline – including key celebratory or significant events for example mental health week, volunteer day etc ensuring that the Trust is maximising coverage across these key dates in the year;  

• Maintain the annual events calendar – work with programme leads to ensure events are being covered by comms; 

• Coordinate, collate and support with the preparation, completion and delivery of the ST newsletter – distribute via Mailchimp and oversee staff hard copy delivery;  

• Day to day social media, liaising with Programme leads for engaging content; 

• Monitor and ensure the website content is updated as needed; 

• Prepare Board report on Comms; 

• Be main contact for and oversee workstream with our Graphic Designer; 

• Write PR materials as needed; 

• Organise and oversee a regular Comms meeting with SLT – to include a focus on external and internal comms, the comms timeline and organisational events calendar 

Data Management and Reporting 

• Coordinating reporting deadlines and ensuring they are met by staff; 

• All reports to be saved into report folder and SLT notified to sign off; 

• Management of Plinth data management system, including managing supplier relationship, monitoring data is inputted correctly and staff training and support; 

• Oversight of data requirements per programme and extraction of headline data information for board reports and general funding bids and reports; 

• Attend quarterly Commissioner Meetings with colleagues. 

Programme Administration 

• Maintain and update contracts and grants master spreadsheet; 

• Preparing paperwork for new contracts and grants agreements; 

• Prepare and issue contract invoices using Xero accounting system; 

• Monitor payment schedule using Xero and update SLT; 

• Coordinate with accountants when contract invoicing is linked to monthly payroll; 

• Planning and set up of new programmes. Supporting staff to launch programmes according to contract funding; 

• Management of core support across delivery programmes including but not limited to advice and assistance, baby buddies, group programmes etc; 

• Supporting SLT with preparation and submission of bid applications 

• Supporting the Core Team with planning and delivering ad hoc organisational projects in line with Organisational Annual Strategy. 

Job Requirements 

Our work is place-based, and people focused. To be responsive to the community and to be able to support Shoreditch Trust activities, we do not offer remote working contracts. You will need to be flexible, working some evenings and weekends. Hours will be agreed on a mutually beneficial basis in line with planned activities. You will be expected to attend organisational meetings, events and clinical supervision. 

Person Specification   

Educational achievements, Qualifications, Training and Knowledge:   

Essential   

• Degree or equivalent qualification  

Experience:  

Essential    

• Work experience as an Administrative Officer, Administrator, or similar role  

• Familiarity with data management procedures and principles  

• Experience using social media platforms and website CMS  

• Experience of using Microsoft products including Word, Excel, and Outlook    

Desirable   

• Experience using e-marketing software e.g., Mailchimp  

• Experience using data management and evaluation software 

• Experience of processing financial claims/transactions   

• Supporting managers to meet deadlines   

Job related aptitude and skills:  

• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone, in writing, by e-mail and in person   

• Strong organisational and communications skills  

• Methodical and organised approach to tasks, with an eye for detail   

• Ability to work calmly under pressure prioritising competing demands effectively   

• Initiative, flexibility, and ability to handle change   

• Ability to produce accurate summaries of meetings, events, and conversations   

• Ability to attend work regularly and on time   

• Good problem-solving skills   

• Good influencing and negotiating skills with the ability to positively engage others and secure commitment and time   

Personal qualities:   

• A problem solver who enjoys translating complex information into practical applications 

• Commitment to continuous personal development  

• Ability to work alone, as well as working co-operatively as a team member   

• Willingness to learn about new initiatives   

• Specialist knowledge related to the area of appointment   

Job Title: Digital Communications Officer

Responsible to: Senior Communications & Engagement Manager

Salary: £29,706 – £31,908 per annum 

Location: Head Office, 5 Trinity Street, London, SE1 1DB 

Hours of work: Full time - 35 hours per week (Minimum two days per week in the London office). Occasional weekend and evening work with time off in lieu (some domestic and international travel may be required) 

The package also includes: 

• 8% employer pension contribution

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional discretionary leave during the Christmas period 

• Season Ticket Loan 

About USPG 

USPG is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice. You can find out more about our work by visiting our website.

About the Role 

Reporting to the Senior Communications & Engagement Manager as part of a highly functioning and creative team, this vital role will work across all media and channels to raise the profile of USPG and its partners and their work: 

• Oversee the day-to-day running of our website and social media channels. 

• Liaise with colleagues and partners to gather information and use it to create engaging collateral which informs, inspires, and sometimes challenges. 

• Support the digital growth of USPG through SEO and Analytics

• Monthly digital and media reporting

About You  

You are an organised and digitally aware communications professional. You can take complex subjects and communicate about them in simple and effective ways that speak to specific audiences. You understand the importance of reporting on website and social media performance to understand USPG’s audience and to adjust and improve. You are comfortable working in a small and creative team and are confident speaking to the wider organisation. You can juggle numerous projects and deadlines at one time.

You will demonstrate considerable cross-cultural awareness and an ability to communicate in a way that is sensitive and appropriate. You demonstrate an aptitude for collaborative teamwork and the ability to work independently on your initiative. It is expected that the postholder will be inspired by the work of USPG and in agreement with its Christian ethos and that they will be comfortable writing in a way which reflects this.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking for an exciting and varied role within charity communications or a communications/marketing professional who wants to move into the charity sector. However, if you don’t necessarily fall into these categories, but have the right skills for this role, please get in touch.

How to apply: 

Please complete the application form and equal opportunities form and email us as indicated.
 

Closing Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026 by 9am.

Interview Date: Wednesday 19 August 2026 in London.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

The Head of External Relations is a key senior leadership role at Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) responsible for overseeing effective fundraising and communications strategies to support the organisation's work protecting rainforests and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for building RFUK’s external profile and support for its ambitious 2033 vision to scale up community-led protection of tropical forests. The position combines strategic communications, outreach, targeted campaigns, and media engagement to connect RFUK’s impactful programmes to its growing audience, supporters and funders.

This a key role in the organisation, managing a small team, working closely with the Programmes team to craft compelling narratives that drive engagement and action, with the Operations team to ensure financial sustainability, and with the Executive Director to create and implement targeted fundraising strategies.

About you

This role requires a strong commitment to social and environmental justice, the ability to form and cultivate relationships with a range of different groups, and the ability to communicate complex issues persuasively.

You’re an experienced leader with a proven track record in both strategic communications and fundraising. You’re a creative communicator who can turn complex issues into persuasive, accessible messages that drive change and support for our mission. You know how to secure significant income from foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and you’re confident in building long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You thrive on collaboration, motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description from our website. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

This role is offered as a hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green, London office. The postholder will be required to work in the office 2 days per week during their 6-month probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by 9AM, Friday 10 July. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

We strongly encourage all candidates to read the Recruitment FAQs page on our website before submitting their application.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Initial interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held online on Thursday 16 July. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an interview.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs

The Head of Communications & Public Affairs is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world-leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.

Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead the organisation’s approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.

With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, this role will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Closing date:                            09:00am (BST) on Monday 20 July 2026        
First interview date:               30 July 2026
Second interview date: 5 August 2026

Recruitment information: 

Further details on the job description, person specification, and how to apply can be found in the candidate pack for the role on our website here: Head of Communications and Public Affairs Candidate Pack

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of External Relations and working closely with the Programmes and Fundraising teams, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for enhancing the external profile of the organisation, communicating to, and broadening our impact with, a wide range of audiences, from multilateral institutions and the global media to our supporters and peers. With a strong grasp of strategic communications, excellent content creation skills and a keen eye for detail, you will have the ability to produce timely and engaging communications outputs both independently and in close coordination with other teams and our local partners. 

Based in London with hybrid working options, we offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You are an organised, self-starting and experienced communications professional with a proven track record of working in fast-paced, internationally focused environments.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in developing and promoting engaging content that helps drive change on hard-to-win issues and elevates the voices of marginalised groups. The candidate should also have practical knowledge of online communications tools, including Mailchimp or similar email platforms, website content management systems and social media management platforms. While not an essential requirement, working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.

You are confident engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders from policy makers to journalists to individual supporters and are motivated to build long-term relationships with these groups. You have excellent communication skills, can juggle multiple tasks, thrive in a collaborative environment, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

We are looking for someone with an interest in developing their skills as we take on new challenges in delivering our new vision and strategic plan. The role represents an exciting opportunity for candidates with the necessary aptitude, flexibility and ambition, as well as a strong commitment to our mission.

Above all, if you are passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we would love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

This role is offered as a hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green, London office. The postholder will be required to work in the office for 2 days per week during their 6-month probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by 9AM, Friday 7 August. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

We strongly encourage all candidates to read the Recruitment FAQs page on our website before submitting their application.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in-person on Wednesday 2 September. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an interview.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within RFUK. As part of our recruitment process, you may voluntarily complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This form is used solely for monitoring purposes and helps us ensure fairness and equal opportunity throughout our recruitment process. Your responses are confidential and will not affect your application.

Title:  Head of Campaigns

Salary:        £60,000

Contract:      Temporary

Hours:  37.5 per week (Monday to Friday) 

Holiday:  25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:  Home based with regular across the UK

Probationary Period:  3 months

Reports to:  Chief Executive

Benefits:  An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year

Flexitime policy

5% pension contribution

Anticipated contract duration:  9th November 2026 - February 2028 

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue the UK’s rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution and water shortages. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, take legal actions and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end river pollution and secure freshwater. 

We are a talented team of positive disrupters and stakeholder mobilisers delivering our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of communities, rivers and wildlife.

Our rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

We're looking for an exceptional campaigner to lead an ambitious environmental campaigning  programme for just over a year to cover maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader who can develop bold, strategic campaigns that shift public debate, influence decision-makers and deliver tangible environmental outcomes.

You'll be an experienced campaign strategist who understands that lasting change rarely comes from a single tactic. You'll know how to bring together compelling communications, evidence and investigations, grassroots mobilisation, political engagement, legal interventions and partnerships into integrated campaigns capable of changing policy, behaviour and corporate practice.

We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with practical delivery. Someone who is comfortable making decisions in a fast-moving environment, spotting opportunities as they emerge and adapting campaigns to maximise impact.

Experience in environmental campaigning would be highly valuable, but above all we're looking for someone with an outstanding track record of leading successful campaigns that have shifted opinion, influenced policy or held powerful institutions to account.

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, creativity and courageous leadership. Someone who is excited by building campaigns that challenge the status quo, comfortable navigating complexity and able to combine bold thinking with sound judgement. You'll know when to disrupt, when to collaborate and how to inspire others to believe that together we can restore the UK’s rivers. 

If you're motivated by creating change, thrive in a dynamic environment and want to lead campaigns that make a genuine difference to one of the UK's greatest environmental challenges, we'd love to hear from you. 

What you’ll be doing:

As Head of Campaigns, you will be developing and delivering bold, integrated campaigns that drive lasting change for the UK's rivers. You'll lead and inspire a talented team of campaigners, helping them to develop innovative, impactful campaigns while fostering a collaborative, ambitious and supportive culture. You'll work closely with colleagues across communications, policy, legal, fundraising and research, ensuring our work is strategically aligned and greater than the sum of its parts.

Leading River Action's Campaigns Team, you will shape the organisation's campaigning strategy, ensuring our work is innovative, evidence-led and designed to influence public opinion, hold polluters to account and secure meaningful political and systemic change. You'll create campaigns that connect compelling storytelling with community mobilisation, strategic communications, political advocacy, legal action and partnerships, ensuring every part of our work contributes towards our mission to rescue the UK’s rivers.

You'll provide strategic leadership across the full campaign lifecycle, overseeing campaign planning, delivery, budgeting, resourcing and evaluation. You'll ensure our campaigns are informed by robust evidence, guided by clear objectives and measured against meaningful outcomes, using insight and learning to continually strengthen our impact.

You will lead River Action's communications and public profile, ensuring our campaigns cut through the national conversation, inspire public action and strengthen our reputation as one of the UK's leading environmental campaigning organisations. You’ll oversee media, messaging and campaign communications that amplify our voice and build public support for change.

Internally, you'll work in close partnership with the Head of Public Affairs to ensure our public campaigns reinforce and accelerate our political influencing work, while ensuring community campaigns and grassroots action inform our national priorities. You'll also work alongside the Head of Legal to develop campaigns involving strategic litigation to achieve change within and outside of court and legal processes, using legal action as a catalyst for wider public awareness, policy change and industry accountability.

As a member of River Action's Senior Management Team, you'll help shape the strategic direction of the organisation and contribute to organisational leadership beyond your own department. You'll work alongside the CEO and fellow Heads of Department to deliver our organisational strategy, embedding collaboration, innovation and impact across all areas of our work.

You'll also play a key role in securing the resources needed to deliver our ambitions. Working with the Head of Development, you'll help develop compelling funding proposals, inspire funders with our vision and demonstrate the impact of our work through robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Working with the Finance and Operations Manager, you'll oversee campaign budgets, ensuring resources are managed effectively and strategically.

Main Duties 

• Provide strategic leadership as a member of the Senior Management Team, supporting the CEO to deliver River Action's organisational strategy, theory of change and long-term vision.

• Lead the development and delivery of River Action's integrated campaigning strategy, ensuring our public campaigns drive measurable environmental, political and societal change.

• Develop and oversee a portfolio of ambitious national campaigns, identifying opportunities to influence public opinion, policy, regulation and industry practice through innovative and impactful campaigning.

• Lead River Action's communications, media and public engagement strategy, ensuring compelling storytelling, strong brand visibility and effective use of traditional, digital and social media to grow our influence and supporter base.

• Lead the planning and delivery of River Action’s creative interventions and actions, from polling, petitions and shareholder actions to public protests and high-profile actions.

• Serve as a senior public representative and spokesperson for River Action, building the organisation's profile and influence through media engagement, public speaking, stakeholder engagement and high-profile external events.

• Oversee River Action's digital campaigning platforms, including the strategic development of our website and digital engagement tools.

• Work closely with the Head of Public Affairs  to ensure campaigns and political advocacy are fully integrated, maximising opportunities to influence government, regulators and decision-makers.

• Work closely with the Head of Public Affairs to ensure grassroots action informs national campaigns, and national campaigns empower and amplify community action.

• Work with the Head of Legal to identify, develop and deliver strategic legal interventions that strengthen campaigns, increase accountability and drive systemic change beyond the courtroom.

• Build and maintain influential relationships with campaign partners, coalitions, NGOs, academics, community organisations, funders and other key stakeholders to maximise collective impact.

• Lead campaign planning, governance and delivery, ensuring campaigns are effectively resourced, managed and evaluated against agreed objectives, budgets and monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) frameworks.

• Lead, inspire and develop the Campaigns Team, fostering a collaborative, creative and high-performing culture that enables colleagues to thrive and deliver exceptional work.

• Work with the CEO, Head of Development and senior colleagues to secure funding for campaign activities, contributing to funding proposals, donor engagement and impact reporting.

• Work with the Finance and Operations Manager to develop, monitor and manage campaign budgets, ensuring resources are used effectively and strategically.

• Support organisational reporting by contributing to Board papers, quarterly and annual reports, organisational planning and performance monitoring.

Other Duties & Responsibilities 

• Adopt a positive approach to personal and professional development; engaging in one to one meetings and relevant training.

• Be aware of, and act on, relevant health and safety responsibilities as an employee of River Action and adhere to these wherever you are working.

• To maintain confidentiality in all areas of work at River Action.

• UK travel will be required. Training & operational activities may require overnight stays away from home, in which case standard River Action procedures apply.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace and a positive organisational culture.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across River Action to collectively deliver our ethos and mission.

What you’ll bring

The position will suit a strategic, well organised, energetic, passionate and dedicated person. The ideal person will be an excellent leader, a people person, and thrive within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The person will have a passion to protect and restore our waterways and hold those responsible for environmental destruction to account.

• Ability to think strategically to deliver campaigns that are positively disruptive and meet River Action values.

• Line management experience of highly experienced professionals, bringing out the best in your team.

• Creative attitude and skills for solving problems and raising awareness of problems and solutions.

• A head for organisation and excellent time management, bringing others along with you in planning and delivering interventions and projects at short notice and under pressure.

• Experience in public and/or political campaigning either within or outside the environmental sector.

• Experience and contacts in communications and PR. 

• An understanding of the issues that are impacting our rivers, and their solutions.

• The ability to establish and maintain effective contacts and relationships with senior and influential external individuals and bodies.

• The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people both verbally and in writing including the media, community groups, other NGO representatives, government, industry leaders, supporters and followers on social media.

• Exceptional IT literacy and a head for figures and budgeting.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.

• Ability to work flexible hours as necessary.

• A good team player with a willingness to muck in as and where required.

• Ability to think clearly even when working under pressure.

• A passion for River Action’s mission and vision.

Diversity and Inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we would still like to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this or other roles. 

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject ‘Head of Campaigns’’:

• your CV (2 pages max), 

• a cover letter (2 pages max) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

River Action is looking to develop a campaign around water security in the UK to launch in 2027. Please put together a campaign brief setting out the challenges faced, how we would develop and deliver this campaign including campaign asks; campaign outcomes; public, political and legal tactics; routes for funding and resource requirements.

Your campaign brief should be no longer than 2 sides of A4. 

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 23:59 on 19th July.

Should your application be shortlisted, the next stage will involve an initial 30 minute interview on 28th July via video conference. You may then be invited to attend a second interview with a panel on 3rd August. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for interviews on these dates.

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Communications has responsibility for Ubele’s internal and external communications and digital activities in support of our strategic aims as well as oversight of communications across special projects. Central to the Head of Communications’ role is responsibility for: 

• Leading on delivery of Ubele’s Communications Strategy, public and internal communications with key audiences and stakeholders via various channels, especially Ubele’s website, email communications, social media and printed materials.  With support where needed, leading the delivery of a small number of annual and special events, working alongside colleagues and partners. 
• A crucial part of the role is working successfully with external partners, special projects comms teams, contractors and consultants to deliver on our communications objectives. 
• Reporting  to the COO and working closely with other senior leaders across departments to fulfil Ubele’s strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities/duties: 

• Oversight of all external communications activity relating to the work of the organisation, including websites, email newsletters and social media.   
• Oversight and management of the Creative Coordinator to effectively boost engagement and grow the organisation's social media channels.
• Guide and support the strategy that manages the creative outputs of the organisation across all projects and interests.
• Managing the organisation’s websites, ensuring content is correct and up to date, developing new webpages, functionalities and layouts as required, with support from an external website developer as needed. 
• Working closely with the Hub leads and programme managers to publicise training opportunities, events, funding programmes, and wider Ubele activities across the organisation’s communication channels. 
• Leading on cross-organisation conversations and convening cross-organisational groups to develop and coordinate a pipeline of content for blogs and case studies.
• Working with Hub Leads and our external PR support team (where relevant) to produce press releases including drafting quotes on behalf of the Leadership Team and coordinating the sign-off processes.
• Dealing with inbound press enquiries and crisis management comms with relevant support.
• Working with Hub Leads and our external PR support team (where relevant) to produce press releases including drafting quotes on behalf of the Leadership Team and coordinating the sign-off processes.
• Dealing with inbound press enquiries and crisis management comms with relevant support.

Brand and marketing 

• Ensuring consistent use of Ubele’s brand across internal and external print and digital channels. 
• Managing the design, print and distribution (as appropriate) of branded print and digital media, such as stationery, templates, invitations, leaflets and publications. 
• Leading on brand guidelines, ensuring that they are adopted correctly across the organisation. Providing training and guidance to staff, teams and external partners on the correct use of the brand.
• Working with Hub leads and Creative Coordinator to manage sub-brands of Ubele projects and programmes and ensure that these are reflected in the organisation’s brand guidelines. 

Planning & Delivery

• Deliver the communications strategy which will be set ahead of each financial year in line with the organisation’s wider strategic objectives by the organisation’s Management Board and Hub leads. 
• Lead and advise on the key narratives, the best modes of communication and how to best reach our target audiences.
• Provide advice and guidance on communications to the Leadership Team, including on crisis communications and reputational risk management with support of PR freelancers. 
• Setting and managing a communications calendar, supporting external-facing activities across Ubele’s work.
• Advise Ubele’s senior leaders on how activities including leadership training, provision of funding, social investment programmes, and various events might be publicised and communicated.
• Participate in internal strategy meetings, including reporting on Communications at the monthly staff team and leadership team meetings and, where required, at the Management Board meeting. 
• Maintain strong working relationships with key sector contacts, especially Communications Leads at partner organisations.

Events 

• Attend and/or coordinate Ubele’s presence at external events (sometimes out of normal office hours) relating to ongoing relationships (e.g. GLA or sector events) 
• Organise and/or support the delivery of special events as required
• Support Programme Managers as required to deliver events (both in-person and digital) leveraging our pool of freelance events support where necessary. 
• Support teams with media enquiries, ensuring that relevant team members are supported in public speaking events. 

Line management 

• Will be line managed by new Chief Operating Officer
• Oversee and manage the work of the Creative Coordinator
• Collaborate with the Lead Designer, our PR agency and our pool of freelance professionals.

General 

• Other tasks, commensurate with the post, that senior leadership may deem appropriate (including occasional support for work that cuts across other areas of Ubele’s work). 
• To attend and participate in internal and external meetings including staff meetings and meetings with key stakeholders.
• To attend relevant training to fulfil the requirements of the job.
• To undertake other duties which may from time to time be required and which are appropriate to the responsibilities of the post.
• Ensure that the Ubele Initiative’s internal policies and procedures are followed through in all areas of work. The postholder will treat as confidential any information that could be deemed personal, private or sensitive and will comply with the organisation's GDPR and safeguarding requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in senior communications roles with responsibility for developing and delivering communications strategies.
• Managing internal and external communications across multiple channels, including websites, email marketing, social media, media relations and print publications.
• Creating and delivering high-quality communications campaigns that increase engagement with a range of audiences.
• Managing organisational websites using content management systems (CMS).
• Developing engaging written content for a variety of audiences, including press releases, newsletters, reports, web content and social media.
• Experience of managing organisational branding and ensuring consistent application of brand guidelines.
• Planning and promoting events through integrated communications activity.
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice.
• Experience of working within the voluntary, community, charity or social enterprise sector.
• Experience of communications within an organisation focused on racial equity, community development or social inclusion.
• Experience of working with diverse community stakeholders and underrepresented groups

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of communications planning, stakeholder engagement and audience development.
• Knowledge of digital communications, social media platforms, email marketing and website management.
• Understanding of media relations and reputation management.
• Knowledge of the policy and funding landscape affecting Black and minoritised communities in the UK.
• Knowledge of current communications trends and best practice across the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how these influence communications practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, engaging copy.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically while delivering operational communications activity.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate communications performance and use insight to improve outcomes.
• High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft 365 and communications platforms such as Mailchimp, Canva, WordPress (or similar CMS) and social media management tools.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and exercise sound judgement.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for community development, social justice and reducing inequalities.
• Collaborative, inclusive and relationship-focused approach.
• Creative, proactive and solutions-focused.
• Flexible and adaptable
• Strong commitment to Ubele Initiative's values and mission.

Celebrity Campaigns Officer

Position Objective:

To advance PETA’s campaigns by securing and engaging high-profile supporters, developing creative celebrity- and creator-led initiatives, and fostering strong relationships with influential public figures

Term of Employment:

Fixed-term (12 months, with hope to extend)

Location:

London (hybrid) (1 day per week required in King’s Cross office, and as required for meetings and events)

Salary:

£33,000 - £36,000 per annum

Term of Employment:

Full-time

Reports to:

Senior Manager, Celebrity and Creative Projects

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Secure high-profile support for the organisation by identifying, engaging, cultivating, and maintaining strong relationships with athletes, celebrities, content creators, and other public figures

• Coordinate celebrity and influencer-led projects, including undertaking research, writing letters and scripts, and organising events, photo shoots, and audio and video projects

• Develop creative concepts and talent-driven activations that engage audiences and advance PETA’s campaigns

• Partner with content creators to produce content aligned with PETA’s campaigns 

• Collaborate with campaigns, media, and social media teams to maximise opportunities involving celebrity supporters

• Coordinate ongoing celebrity engagement, including social media interactions, supporter communications (e.g. thank-you, birthday, or congratulatory messages and merchandise gifting), and targeted outreach addressing actions that harm animals

• Monitor impact of projects and activities and adjust efforts accordingly

• Stay informed about current events and celebrity news

• Keep thorough records of correspondence between PETA and celebrities

• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2.5 years’ professional experience in influencer relations, talent management, entertainment media, public relations, or a related communications field

• Experience working directly with celebrities, creators, agents, or publicists

• Thorough knowledge of the entertainment industry and entertainment media

• Thorough knowledge of social media and an understanding of the type of content that will resonate with people online

• Thorough knowledge of animal rights issues and campaigns

• Exceptional communication skills

• Excellent multitasking skills

• Ability to take initiative and follow through

• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to think creatively and come up with new ideas for promoting PETA’s core mission through its celebrity work

• Ability to handle confidential information with the required discretion

• Adherence to a vegan lifestyle strongly preferred

• Commitment to the objectives of the organisation

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced international advocacy professional to lead our global engagement strategy as our inaugural Head of Advocacy. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment on our mission as we continue to develop and implement our international engagement strategy and launch a new Global Institute for the 1001 Critical Days. As our Head of Advocacy you will elevate our influence on the global stage. You will work with our senior team to drive international advocacy and engagement with policymakers, parliamentarians, international organisations, and strategic partners. Your work will help us to position babies – and the 1,001 critical days – at the heart of global policy agendas.

To apply please click on the redirect to recruiter button. 

For over 30 years, RASASC has provided specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, funders, commissioners and partners to ensure RASASC continues to deliver high-quality, survivor-centred services while building a sustainable future.

The opportunity:

• Shape and deliver RASASC’s strategy, growth plans and future direction
• Lead and inspire a committed team, creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and learning
• Ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience
• Develop relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and stakeholders
• Champion survivor voices and influence the wider sexual violence support sector
• Drive innovation, service improvement and long-term impact

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or social purpose sector
• A strong track record of managing budgets, resources and organisational performance
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees or Non-Executive Directors
• Success in securing funding through grants, contracts, tenders or partnerships
• The ability to lead people, manage change and build effective relationships
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and survivor-centred practice

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a powerful mission — ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support, advocacy and voice they deserve.If you are an ambitious, compassionate and strategic leader who wants to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

External Communications Manager

Salary: £40,000–£42,000 FTE
Hours: 30 hours per week
Location: Remote, with regular travel to FitzRoy services, team and stakeholder meetings as agreed. The role requires attendance in London once per month and applicants must be able to commute to services in Norfolk, Nottingham and Hampshire.
Reports to: Head of Communications
Directorate: Business Development and Partnerships

FitzRoy is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live lives rooted in choice, meaning and happiness.

We are strengthening our external voice and looking for a confident, perceptive and warm communicator to help more people understand FitzRoy’s expertise and impact and increase our influence.

This is a moment of change for social care. We want to play a more active role in shaping its future, ensuring the people at the heart of it are seen, heard and involved in the decisions that matter.

About the role

As External Communications Manager, you will help build FitzRoy’s profile and reputation by identifying the stories, insight and opportunities that show what good support looks like in real life.

You will work closely with the Head of Communications, fundraising, business development and operational colleagues to turn external communications priorities into practical plans, content and opportunities.

This is a delivery role with real influence. You will be expected to bring ideas, advise colleagues, shape practical plans and turn opportunities into action.

What you will do

You will:

• develop proactive external communications activity that raises awareness of FitzRoy’s work, expertise and impact
• spot opportunities for FitzRoy to contribute constructively to sector conversations
• identify realistic opportunities for media, sector press, partner or local coverage
• gather stories, photos, video and quotes that help people understand what good support looks like in real life
• use social media, website content, audience insight and analytics to strengthen FitzRoy’s external profile

About you

You may come from charity communications, PR, journalism, public affairs, stakeholder communications or another external communications background.

You do not need to have worked in social care before, but you will need to be interested in people, willing to learn quickly and able to handle stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement.

We are looking for someone who is:

• an excellent writer and editor
• confident developing clear, accessible content for different audiences
• warm, curious and able to build rapport quickly
• able to spot strong stories, ideas and opportunities
• confident creating social media and website content shaped by audience insight
• comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities
• able to think strategically about audiences and influence, while being practical about what can be delivered in a small team
• confident gathering content including photos, videos and quotes
• willing and able to travel to FitzRoy services and meetings as needed

A full clean driving licence and access to a car for work travel are required, as some services are not easily accessible by public transport.

Working at FitzRoy

You will join a small, friendly communications team with big ambitions. This role will suit someone who enjoys a mix of planning, writing, relationship-building, story-gathering and hands-on delivery.

You will help us show the difference good support makes – and help ensure the voices, experiences and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs are seen and heard.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application and a covering letter.

We do not expect your covering letter to address every point in the person specification. We would like you to tell us:

• what interests you about this role and FitzRoy
• three things you would bring to the role
• a piece of communications work you are proud of and why
• how you approach using social media, website content and audience insight to build external profile
• how you would approach telling stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement

If you are using AI tools to write your application, please use them with caution. We are looking for your own voice and writing style.

Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with Maudsley Charity to recruit an External Affairs and Influencing Manager.

A hugely exciting new role within the Communications team at the charity, the postholder will work across media, external affairs and influencing to engage with key stakeholders, boost the charity's profile, and promote learning and adoption of the solutions the organisation funds. You will be responsible for sharing evidence and learning in order to influence the people who fund, adopt and commission mental health care and services, and will work closely with the CEO to increase engagement with policy work which the Maudsley Charity undertakes through it's work in coalitions.

External Affairs and Influencing Manager
Contract: Full time, permanent role
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid role between home and London office, with two days per week in the Denmark Hill office
Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 28th July

First round interviews will be held remotely on: Thursday 13th August
Second round interviews will be held in person on: Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August

About Maudsley Charity

Maudsley Charity funds and supports clinical, academic, and community partners to ensure that everyone experiencing mental illness can access the right care, while using insights from their work to drive wider improvements across the UK.

Recognising the profound impact of mental illness and the inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes - particularly those linked to social deprivation and racism - the organisation focusses on addressing gaps in care.

With an approach that combines evidence, lived experience, and a commitment to equity, the organisation backs impactful, evidence-based solutions, ensuring services are shaped by real-world insight, and prioritising support for those most underserved to drive improvements that benefit all.

About the role

This is a core role within the organisation's influencing strategy, and your primary responsibilities will include:

External Affairs & Influencing:

• Develop and deliver influencing plans to promote adoption of effective mental health care initiatives being funded by the charity
• Develop productive relationships with key stakeholders (journalists, NHS trust leaders, ICBs, ICSs, VCSE orgs) to gather intelligence and shape strategy to inform the charity's positioning
• Lead the charity's thought leadership development providing strategic advice to senior leadership on political, NHS and mental health policy developments
• Strengthen the charity's role in mental health policy and advocacy coalitions, by contributing to collaborative advocacy, media and communications outputs
• Lead the charity's response to government mental health care consultations and calls for evidence
• Monitor funder sector trends and conversations, and actively seek out opportunities for the charity to strategically engage and influence by sharing learning from its grant making practice

Media management

• Develop and implement integrated external affairs campaigns that support the charity's influencing work
• Create persuasive materials, including press releases, op-eds, spokespeople briefings, comment pieces, and digital content and pitch to relevant outlets
• Maintain and grow relationships with journalists, broadcasters and sector media to secure relevant high-quality coverage of the charity's activities, grant holders and their projects
• Act as first point of contact for media enquiries, managing proactive and reactive press activity
• This role is expected to grow and develop and the postholder will be fully supported from across the organisation as the position evolves, within an organisation that offers a friendly, values led culture.

We would love to hear from individuals with the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable track record of developing and implementing successful influencing strategies in the mental health sector
• Experience of stakeholder management within mental health care, including NHS Trust leaders, Integrated Care Boards, commissioners and senior clinicians, and with academics and researchers
• Strong experience in media relations, including briefing senior spokespeople, drafting press releases, media handling, and securing media coverage with a good understanding of the needs and expectations of different outlets and publications
• Keen understanding of the NHS, mental health policy landscape, and the related environment, key stakeholders and sector drivers
• Understanding of the key components and considerations of successful external affairs media and influencing
• Understanding of the sensitivities around mental illness, including working in an empathetic manner with people with lived experience
• Understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles and a commitment to apply them in your work and as an organisation
• Influencing skills including confidence and credibility in working with stakeholders,
• Communication skills and the ability to produce clear and effective communications and the ability to confidently and accurately represent the organisation externally
• Written and editorial skills including the ability to craft narratives for different external audiences and communicate the charity's work in press releases, articles, policy briefs

How to apply

Maudsley Charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds. We welcome applications from non-graduates.

Applications are managed via Charity People and involve a structured, anonymised process focusing on your experience and potential. Please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance.

Please see full job pack and job description attached.

There is also an optional 'Ask Us Anything' Webinar via Zoom on Thursday 16th July at 12.30pm where the Maudsley staff will answer questions. Please get in touch with Reception at Charity People if you'd like to register for this and they will send you the link. Please submit questions in advance to reception at Charity People before 9am on Wednesday 15th July 2026 in order that we can ensure all of your queries are answered.

Equal Opportunities monitoring

We ask that applicants complete our DEI monitoring form when submitting their CV for this role.

Maudsley Charity is an equal opportunities employer, and makes no discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sex. Specifically, we will also oppose unfair discrimination of those with mental health issues.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.